RALPH Hasenhuttl insists he was "not so surprised" to see Mohamed Elyounoussi's impact upon his return to Saints, explaining how his side are now better equipped to get the best out of the Norway international.

Elyounoussi joined Saints for around £16million from Basel in 2018, but had to wait until last night to notch his first goals for the club, bagging a hat-trick in an 8-0 win at Newport County in the Carabao Cup.

Having made 19 appearances for the club under Mark Hughes and Hasenhuttl during the 2018-19 campaign, Elyounoussi left Saints to join Celtic on loan.

He stayed in Scotland for two seasons, winning three trophies, before returning to Saints this summer.

The 27-year-old played a big role during pre-season, but was an unused substitute for the opening two Premier League fixtures against Everton and Manchester United.

But he grabbed his chance on Wednesday night, scoring three and also contributing assists as Saints ran riot against League Two Newport, with the 8-0 registering as the biggest away win in the club's 136-year history.

It was Elyounoussi's first competitive Saints appearance since a 3-0 defeat at West Ham in May 2019.

Asked if he was surprised by what he had seen from Elyounoussi since his return to Saints this summer, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "I was not so surprised because I know that he’s a fantastic footballer.

"Meanwhile, we also play a little bit more football. That definitely helps him to be a better part of this team.

"When I came here we had more to do with our work against the ball and we hadn’t been so far with our development with the ball.

"But I think he has his biggest qualities with the ball and this is the reason why we need him."

Elyounoussi began the game as one of Saints' two advanced midfielders, alongside Nathan Redmond, before dropping into a deeper role when James Ward-Prowse was withdrawn for the final 20 minutes.

Discussing the Morocco-born forward's hat-trick at Rodney Parade, Hasenhuttl added: "I think he’s very happy. I was very happy with him, because Moi showed that he can play at 10 and also at six, after we took Prowsey off he also played a fantastic six.

"A player I have seen in the pre-season also that he definitely helps us.

"I am very happy that he is here and I am sure he will also get chances to play in the Premier League and to show up."